SERVICES

Hard to engage young people > Quality, Impact and what people say about us

What ALI say

The Adult Learner’s Inspectorate (ALI) inspectors visited our e2e provision in County Durham, Norfolk and Berkshire in 2006 and following this visit include was named by ALI’s Chief Inspector, David Sherlock, as being in the top third of all providers inspected during the year. include received ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ inspection grades for every aspect of our training.

David Sherlock said:

” I am delighted to be able to name include as one of this year’s outstanding providers. They have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to achieving the highest standards in the quality of training they offer. Learners can be confident that they will receive first-class support to reach their full potential. To be one of the top providers in the country is a tremendous achievement and a great credit to the team at include”.

What Ofsted say

‘What the school does well…
It is exceptionally effective in meeting the individual personal needs of students… · It is successful and works hard to ensure that these vulnerable young people re-engage with education’

Ofsted inspection report, include Buckinghamshire, June 2006

When compared to data that relates to attendance at their previous schools, individual pupils make significant progress…

Pupil’s behaviour also improves because staff use [these] non –confrontational methods in conjunction with other incentives.

Ofsted inspection report, include Bristol, January 2007

The view of an aBc2 Project Worker

‘My role in this project has been as a tutor for young mums.  We work together in one-to-one situations in the community – making use of venues such as libraries, cafes, family centres and also the student’s own home.  Much of the work is around taking the first step back into a learning environment, and issues such as timekeeping and finding childcare are all very much to the point. 

I have been surprised to find that the young women I have met so far are interested in obtaining maths and English qualifications.  They seem to have grown into a new sense of responsibility and are looking to build a secure future for themselves and their child.  Consequently they now view these basic skills as essential attainments. 

We are able to work towards obtaining an AQA Unit Award certificate within a few weeks, which gives the learner a sense of achievement and builds confidence.  The next step is to ensure that they are settled into a longer-term course of study, before their time with this project comes to an end.  Around the start of the academic year, it has been relatively straight-forward to find this kind of provision.  Throughout the rest of the year it can prove more challenging!’

 

Some views of beneficiaries of the project

"Life is Great!  We would like to thank aBc2 and Connexions. You made a big difference. Thanks"

aBc2 "Is an excellent program to take part in, the tutor is lovely and has helped me all the way. I don't think I would have enrolled on my course without Jacqueline.  Thank you" 

"I really enjoyed my cooking sessions with Jacqueline and felt encouraged by her and Bethan to go to college.  I felt Jacqueline was supportive and not patronising like some can be!!!" 

"I think its a good form of helping young mums and agree that it does help in the long term even though it doesn't last long because it helps you until you're okay on your own" Beth Jones

"It got me where I wanted to be"

As reported in ESF ‘impact’ magazine:

"I had help to bring my CV up-to-date and we went through mock interviews.  My self-confidence improved and I think I got to know myself better.  I was also given ideas about other types of work that might be useful in the short term, jobs I wouldn't have seen myself doing before taking part in the project.  The chance to refresh my computer skills was useful too." 

Measures of Impact

Flex 2003/2006

  • Beneficiary starts 585
  • Percentage progression to education or training 47%
  • Progression to employment 26%
  • Progression to other informal learning opportunities 12%
  • Total of known positive destinations 85%

aBc2  2005/06

  • Beneficiary starts 52
  • Starts on accredited learning programmes 50%
  • Achievement of accredited learning certificates 50%
  • Learners progressing to further learning 23%